Gig Harbor may change development agreements

A lengthy discussion was held by the Gig Harbor City Council Feb. 26 on the subject of development agreements that allow a developer to build a project that doesn’t comply with the city’s zoning or building codes.

As requested at an earlier council meeting, planning director Jennifer Kester presented two options for a city code amendment that would change the current regulations — removing the allowance for development agreements in the downtown area and reducing the maximum term of a development agreement from 20 years to 10 years.

Council had a choice of either directing staff to formally begin the process for changing the current code or to cease further processing of the text amendment.

During the ensuing discussion, Councilwoman Jeni Woock made a motion to eliminate development agreements entirely, with Councilman Jim Franich agreeing.

That motion was subsequently voted down, and council continued to discuss changing the code as was originally proposed.

“There are certain situations where a development agreement could be helpful to the city,” Councilman Bob Himes said. “This is a very significant step and requires a lot more study to learn about more of the impacts this could have. It might have unintended consequences.”

Councilman Spencer Hutchins said he was in favor of limiting the current discussion to development agreements only in the downtown area. “To delete the whole thing right now would be to say that we have unmitigated faith in the rest of our code and that the rest of the code is perfect and flawless, and I don’t believe that.”

Council agreed that the issue needs to be carefully reviewed further by the city’s Planning and Building committee and then by the entire council in a work-study session, and unanimously approved moving forward with the process.

Trust a priority for new members

Also at the Feb. 26 meeting, Mayor Kit Kuhn talked about trust.

“We all ran for office on the value of trust,” he said, referring to himself and the four new council members.

“In the past there was a lack of trust, but now we have a new chapter and a new time. Many agenda items that we’re working on now were created by the previous council and administration,” under a budget that the current council inherited.

Kuhn and interim city administrator Dave Rodenbach, who is also the city’s finance director, are working on a new biennial budget to be approved later this year.

“We have a great staff and they work really hard.” But it’s important that council give them “time to adjust” to new ways of doing business.

“We’re all here in Gig Harbor (together) so let’s unite and show it,” he said.

Kuhn also introduced the city’s new public works superintendent, Ken Andrews who lives in Olalla and formerly worked on McNeil Island taking care of the wastewater treatment plant, sewers and pipes and other public works maintenance. “We’re very fortunate to have him,” Kuhn said.

Electric vehicle charging stations

Council approved an ordinance making it illegal to park at electric vehicle charging stations, unless the vehicle is plugged into the charger. Violators can expect to receive a parking ticket.

School bond endorsement

In new business, council voiced support for Peninsula School District’s upcoming bond measure.

Himes noted that many people in Gig Harbor North are “extremely interested” in having a new school in their neighborhood. “Many of them bought property in Gig Harbor North in anticipation of the new school and I’d like for our resolution to include a provision that a new elementary school should be built on Harbor Hill Drive.”

Franich acknowledged that schools are important and that it’s important to provide a school in new highly populated areas. “But when it comes to supporting — or not supporting — this type of thing, I think it should be left to the public.”

Councilman Michael Perrow noted that he is “the only council member with a school-age child. I enthusiastically support this resolution and I agree that a school is needed in Gig Harbor North. I hope this will be an impetus or a catalyst for other schools … and I hope everyone votes ‘yes’ in April.” The resolution to support the school bond passed 6-1.

Park maintenance; summer trolley

Council also discussed and finally approved a $75,260 contract with Bruce Dees and Associates to study drainage improvements at Crescent Creek, Donkey Creek and KLM parks. Included are site surveys, environmental studies and an archaeological assessment.

Franich questioned why the city’s public works staff could not do this work.

Public Works Director Jeff Langhelm responded that the staff could do everything, but that they simply do not have time to take on these additional tasks and still do all the other tasks that are currently required.

Council also approved a cost-sharing agreement with Pierce Transit to continue the summer trolley that runs between the downtown waterfront and Uptown shopping center. The city’s cost will be approximately $35,000, with the Chamber of Commerce, Uptown and the Waterfront Alliance each contributing $5,000.

The next council meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 12 at the Gig Harbor Civic center, 3510 Grandview St.